Shalimar Sharbatly, a Saudi-Arabian abstract artist, whose works of hand-painted sports cars have been shown at events such as the Paris Motor Show and Monaco Grand Prix, will create a new series for Jeddah’s Draw A Nation initiative. She will showcase a set of hand-painted vehicles, specifically old and abandoned cars that will be transformed into art pieces in public spaces.
Sharbatly specializes in turning everyday objects, such as cars, into conceptual pieces. She is widely known for her “moving art” concepts, which are “intended to move art beyond the elitist walls of the gallery”, according to her website.
Ayed Al Zahrani, undersecretary for the major of Jeddah, said in a statement, “The community will benefit from recycling cars and turning them into artistic masterpieces displayed in public for Jeddah residents and visitors.”
The Jeddah municipality’s push for more cultural projects which includes the launch of Yalla Jeddah, an online platform that lists community initiatives that align with the kingdom’s Vision 2030. Activities include mural drawing projects, garden design, beach cleaning and an option for citizens and residents to report damaged or neglected cars around the city.